Recreation Center Historical Stewardship Committee 2006

Andersen, Carroll and Field Recreation Centers as well as other Recreation Centers underwent substantial review through the Infrastructure Committee Study, an independent engineering study conducted by the Village of Oak Park, and a programming study encapsulated within the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Master Plan. One of the collective findings of these studies was that these centers did not have the types of multiple programming spaces necessary to meet the recreation needs of the community, even if improvements to these facilities and the elimination of deferred maintenance occured. In addition, with the completion of the Carroll Center Site Master Plan, it was determined that Carroll Park would function better if the recreation center was relocated. A review was completed by the Village of Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission in January of 2004 providing an opinion on the cultural, historic, economic, social or architectural significance.

Given the historical nature of these facilities, the Park Board created a task force or Recreation Center Historical Stewardship Committee (RCHSC) to identify key questions related to the historical preservation of these buildings. In addition to identifying key questions, the RCHSC heard various perspectives from experts informed about issues related to these questions and documented the various facts and issues involved in the historical preservation of these centers so that the current and future park boards could make informed decisions in the future.

The RCHSC addressed key questions such as these:

• Do Andersen, Carroll and Field Centers have the remaining architectural integrity and significance to consider their preservation and possible restoration? What are the varying levels of historic significance of each of these three buildings? Can these buildings be relocated?

• What would be the potential financial cost to restore these facilities?

• What are the opportunity costs if these facilities are restored and operated as stand alone single space recreation programming centers?

The RCHSC was chaired by Park Board Commissioner Tom Philion. Lesley Gilmore served as a Technical Advisor and ex officio member retained by the Park District. Five other members were selected including candidates from a group who applied in fall 2005 for the Park District Citizen Committee.

Presenters included Marty Hackl, Jack Barclay, Frank Heitzman, Frank Lipo, Tim Kelly, John Mc Manus, Altamanu Inc., and Park District Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Mike Grandy. All committee meetings were publicized in local newspapers and on the Park District's website.

On Thursday, October 5, 2006, a draft of the Committee's Final Report was presented to the Park Board at the Committee of the Whole Meeting. The Board of Park Commissioners accepted the Recreation Center Historical Stewardship Committee Final Report at the October 19, 2006 Regular Board Meeting.

Agendas and Minutes

RCHSC agenda 3 20 06
RCHSC minutes 3 20 06
RCHSC agenda 4 23 06
RCHSC minutes 4 23 06
RCHSC agenda 5 15 06
RCHSC minutes 5 15 06
RCHSC agenda 6 19 06
RCHSC minutes 6 19 06
RCHSC agenda 7 17 06
RCHSC minutes 7 17 06
RCHSC agenda 8 21 06
RCHSC minutes 8 2106
RCHSC agenda 9 18 06